What should operators ensure regarding rigging gear before each use?

Operators should ensure that rigging gear has the appropriate markings and inspections before each use to confirm its suitability for the intended load and application. This includes checking for compliance with relevant safety standards and regulations, which are often indicated by specific markings on the rigging gear. These markings can provide crucial information such as load capacity, inspection dates, and certification details. By verifying that the gear is properly marked and has passed necessary inspections, operators can greatly reduce the risk of equipment failure during lifting operations, thereby enhancing the safety of all personnel involved.

While new equipment can often be ideal, it is not a necessity for safe operations, as older gear can be perfectly safe if it has been properly maintained and inspected. Guaranteeing safety by a manufacturer does not substitute for thorough on-site checking. Finally, aesthetic standards, while they may influence perceptions, do not dictate the actual functional safety or capability of the rigging gear.